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The Chandos HeraldLife of the Black Prince

translated by

Mildred K. PopeandEleanor C. Lodge

In parentheses PublicationsMiddle French Series

Cambridge, Ontario 2000


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1 In times of yore it was seen that they who fashioned fair poemswere in sooth esteemed as authors or in some sort recorders to showknowledge of the good, in order to draw remembrance of good fromtheir hearts and to receive honour(?). But it is said, and truly, that thereis naught that does not dry up, and that there is no tree that does notwither, excepting one only, the tree of life: and this tree, moreover, buds

and flowers in this life in all parts. On this I will dwell no longer, foralthough such writers are held of no account, and a chatterer, a liar, a juggler, or a buffoon who, to raise a laugh, would grimace and makeantics, is more esteemed than one who had skill to inditeÑfor, withoutgainsaying, such a one is ill received at court nowadaysÑbut albeit theywho set forth the good are held in no estimation, yet ought men not torefrain from making and remembering fair poemsÑall such as have skillthereto; rather they should enter them in a book, that after their deathtrue records may be kept; for to relate the good is verily alms and

charity, for good was never lost without return at some time. Wherefore,incited by my desire, I wish to set my intent on making and recordingfair poems of present and past times.

43 Now it is high time to begin my matter and address myself to thepurpose which I am minded to fulfil. Now, may God let me attain to it,for I wish to set my intent on writing and recording the life of the mostvaliant prince of this world, throughout its compass, that ever was sincethe days of Claris, Julius Caesar, or Arthur, as you shall hear, if so bethat you listen with good will: it is of a noble Prince of Aquitaine, who

was son of the noble and valorous King Edward and of Queen Philippa,who was the perfect root of all honour and nobleness, of wisdom,valour, and bounty.

63 This noble Prince of whom I speak, from the day of his birthcherished no thought but loyalty, nobleness, valour, and goodness, and

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was endued with prowess. Of such nobleness was the Prince that hewished all the days of his life to set his whole intent on maintaining

justice and right, and therein was he nurtured from his childhoodupÑfrom his generous and noble disposition he drew the doctrine of

bounty, for gaiety and nobleness were in his heart perfectly from thefirst beginnings of his life and youth. Now, is it full time that I addressmyself to carrying forward my matter, how he was so noble, bold, andvaliant, so courteous and so sage, and how he loved so well the holyChurch with his whole heart, and, above all, the most lofty Trinity; itsfestival and solemnity he began to celebrate from the first days of hisyouth and upheld it all his life zealously, without evil thought.

93 Now I have wished to record his youth, and now it is right that Ishould relate to you that which all should hold in esteemÑthat is,

chivalry: this was upheld in his person, in whom it held sway thirty years(?). Nobly he spent his life (?), for I would dare to say this, that since thetime that God was born there was none more valiant than he, as youshall hear in my records if you will hearken and give ear to the matter towhich I am coming.

107 You know well that the noble King his father, with very greatarray, of his high and noble puissance made war on the realm of France,saying that he ought to have the crown; wherefore, in maintaining thequarrel, he kept up right cruel war which lasted long. Now it befell that

just at this time he crossed the sea to Normandy. With right noblefollowing, barons, bannerets, and earls ... he landed in the Cotentin.There was many a good and true knight, the noble Earl of Warwick, ofhigh esteem, and the right noble Earl of Northampton, the Earl ofSuffolk, and the Earl of Stafford, of the stout and bold heart, and theEarls of Salisbury and Oxford; and John de Beauchamp was there, thevaliant Reginald de Cobham, Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh, bold indeed, the good Guy de Brian, the good Richard de la Vache, and thegood Richard Talbot, of great prowess. And Chandos and Audeley were

there, who smote mightily with the sword, and the good Thomas deHolland, of great prowess, and a great number of others, whose names Icannot tell.

145 The English army arrived, and when he was about to disembarkthe King knighted the Prince, the Earl of March also, and the Earl of

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Salisbury, John of Montagu, his brother, and others, more than I couldtell you. And know well, the Marshal Bertrand, who was of great valourand hardihood, was there, and thought right easily to keep them fromlanding. But the English power landed by force. There were achieved so

many feats of arms that one might have compared Roland, and Oliver,and the very courteous Ogier the Dane. There might one behold men ofprowess, valour, and hardihood. There was the fair and noble Prince,who made a right goodly beginning. All the Cotentin he overrode andwholly burnt and laid waste, La Hogue, Barfleur, Carentan, Saint-L™,Bayeux, and up to Caen, where they conquered the bridge; and therethey fought mightily; by force they took the town, and the Count ofTancarville and the Count of Eu were taken there. There the noble Princegained renown, for he was eager to acquit himself well, and was but

eighteen years old. And the Marshal rode away, nor stopped beforeParis; he told the King the news that was in no wise pleasing to him. Suchmarvel he had that scarcely could he believe it, for he thought not thatsuch folk would have had such hardihood. Then he assembled his power;throughout France there remained neither duke nor earl of account, norbaron, banneret, nor squire, that he did not cause to assemble.

195 He sent to the King of Bohemia, whom he heartily loved, whobrought in his company his son, who was King of Germany, and thegood John de Beaumont of Hainault, of high renown. Well did he think

to defend his land against the English king, and very little did he esteemhim, and right sorely did he threaten him. But afterwards, meseems, theKing and the Prince together rode through Normandy, and laid waste allthe country. Many a great affray did they have, and many a good andvaliant man did they take, and they came to the bridge of Poissy; but thestory says that the bridge there was broken, yet they did so much thatwith great logs they remade the bridge by force, whereat the Frenchmarvelled, and crossed one morning. They took their way through Caux,burning, laying waste, harrying; whereat the French were sore grieved

and cried aloud: ÔWhere is Philip our king?Õ225 He was at Paris, to speak the truth, for at this time he made readyand collected his great power. And there he assembled his men and saidthat he would esteem himself but little if he did not take greatvengeance, for he thought to have shut in the English, as I think, between

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the Seine and the Somme, and right there he thought lightly to give thembattle. But the English to disport themselves put everything to fire andflame. There they made many a widowed lady and many a poor childorphan. They rode, day and night, until they came to the water of the

Somme; on the other side was many a man, for there were the forces ofthe communes of Picardy and also Sir Godemar du Fay. Very wide wasthe river, swift and fierce with the tide, wherefore the English marvelledsore how they should cross over. But the Prince made choice of ahundred knights, of the best of his vanguard, and sent them to see howthey might pass. And they who were worthy of praise rode abroad untilthey found a fellow who showed them the passage of the Somme, and allthe hundred with one accord dashed into the water on their chargers,lance couchedÑvery valiant knights were theyÑand the Prince came

after, keeping ever close behind them. Sore strife was there at thepassage of the Somme, and stoutly did the knights fight; and there onboth sides they were at pains to shoot and cast; but the men of Picardywere speedily scattered and put to flight, together with MessireGodemar, and with the help of God all passed in due time.

277 When King Philip heard the tidings he was sore grieved andangry at heart, and said: ÔBy St. Paul, the valiant, I mistrust me oftreason;Õ but nevertheless he hasted greatly. He passed throughAbbeville. Very rich was his array, for he was there with three other

kings: the Kings of Majorca and Bohemia and the King of Germany; therewere many dukes and earls, so that it was a goodly number. They rodeon until they pitched their camp right near Cressy, in Ponthieu. ThereKing Edward was camped, and the Prince, who that day led thevanguard. There they had made but brief stay, when on either side theywere told that both were so close that each one could see the array andthe order of the other. Then they raised a loud cry and began to orderand draw up their divisions.

305 That day was there battle so horrible that never was there man so

bold that would not be abashed thereby. Whoso saw coming thepuissance and power of the King of France, great marvel would he haveto relate! Inflamed with ill-will and anger they set forth to encountertogether, bearing themselves in such true knightly fashion that neversince ChristÕs coming did one behold fiercer battle. There was seen many

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a banner embroidered in fine gold and silk, and there the English wereall afoot like men ready and eager to fight. There was the good Princewho led the vanguard; so valiantly he bore himself that it was a marvelto behold. Hardly did he suffer any one to attack, however bold or

strong he might be. They fought that day until the English had theadvantage. And there was slain the noble and courteous King ofBohemia, and the good Duke of Lorraine, who was a very noble leader,and the noble and renowned Count of Flanders and the good Count ofAlen•on, brother to King Philip, the Counts of Joii and Harcourt. Whatshould I say in brief word? One king, one duke, and seven counts, and,as the account says, more than sixty bannerets were there stark dead,and three kings who left the field, and divers others fled, of whom Iknow not the number, nor is it right that I should enumerate them. But

well I know that that day the brave and noble Prince led the vanguard ofthe army, as one should take note, for by him and his courage was thefield gained and won.

357 King Philip betook himself to Paris, sore grieved; he mourned inhis heart for his men whom he had lost. And the noble King of England,who was worthy to hold land, lodged that night in the field, for hegained very great honour. He had the dead sought out to know andrecognize them, and found the King of Bohemia, who lay dead on thefield. He had him put into a coffin and placed on a litter covered with

rich cloth of gold. He sent him back and then moved from the place androde towards Calais. That I may not lie, this right noble expedition, ofwhich I here speak, was in the year of our Lord one thousand threehundred forty and six, and, as the record says, Õtwas on the eve of St.Bartholomew that by the grace of God the King fought this battlewherein he acquired such honour.

385 Afterwards they came before Calais; there was many a fair deedof arms achieved; to it the noble King, who was there with his wholearmy, laid siege eighteen months without intermission. Here they abode

until the town was starved out, and King Philip came to raise the siege,as I heard tell. But the army was lodged in such wise and the town sobeset that King Philip durst not raise the siege, but turned back, and thenoble King of England held there the field. Many an encounter and manyan assault was there made by men of low and high degree until the town

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yielded, beseeching the King, for GodÕs sake, that he would take them tomercy. And thus was Calais conquered by force, by the power andenterprise of the noble King and of his son, the Prince.

411 Hereafter, with scant delay, they returned to England, the King

and the Prince also, and all the bold knights. On account of a truce thatwas made they stayed in their country until it befell that by treaty, bytreason and sin, Calais was about to be sold, given up by a Lord ofBeaujeu (?) to Sir Geffroi de Charny, through a Lombard, who was calledAimery of Pavia; and there were all the barons of Picardy and France, atleast the most part. But there was the noble King to save it; and the noblePrince his son, very bold and valiant, there fought so valiantly that insooth he rescued the King, his father, by force. There the men of Franceand Picardy were brought to confusion that night, whereat divers

English made great joy at their return, for there were all the best of thenoble country of England, who to win great praise and renown acquittedthemselves valiantly. There were taken, of a truth, the noblest lords ofFrance, and deceived outright; nor ever was the King of England so hardbested in any hour as he was in that hour then, for many people haverecorded that the King would have been taken had it not been for thePrince his son; but his puissance, his noblesse, and his very perfectprowess rescued there the King, his father. And this matter ought in nowise to be forgotten; so it is very right that I tell it you.

457 They returned to England and made very merry. Their friendsand all the ladies also made great joy. The Queen, who loved her lordwith her whole heart, welcomed them. Then said the King to his wife:ÔLady, now welcome your son, for I had been taken had it not been forhis great valour, but by him was I succoured.Õ ÔSire,Õ says she, Ôwelcomebe he and you also. Methinks I should say: ÒIn a good hour was heborn.ÓÕ There were the knights and barons right well received; there wasseen dancing and junketing, feasting and revelling; and right pleasantlywas time passed among them, and there was love and noblesse, gaiety

and prowess. Thus they abode a long space, until it befell, just at thattime, that Spanish ships were assembled at Sluys that boasted they wouldpass in defiance of the King, despite him and his array, wherefore theKing, of his great valour, assembled his great power and made anexpedition by sea that was of great renown. There were the Prince his

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son and many good and famous knights, all the earls, and all the knightsof repute. There was fierce and sore battle: there God gave him fortune,for by him and his power and right lofty valiance the Spaniards were alldiscomfited and slain. And there was knighted his very valiant brother

John, who afterwards was Duke of LancasterÑvery great was hiscourage. There likewise did the noble barons acquit themselves valiantly;there was many a ship conquered, many a one taken, many a one sunk,and there was many a good man slain, as I hear in my record; and knowthat this encounter was before Winchelsea.

511 After this noble battle, that of a surety was right fell, theyreturned to land. They brought the goodly store of goods that they hadgained and conquered, whereat every one rejoiced. Soon after, theQueen of England brought forth a son, the last she bore, and this son

was called Thomas. Great joy and great feast were made, and great joustings cried then through the country. And at that time there camefrom Gascony the doughty and valiant Captal, who was right brave andcourageous and greatly beloved of everybody. He was welcomed rightnobly. The Prince, who rejoiced greatly at his coming, took freshcourage. One day he said to the King his father and to the Queen hismother: ÔSire,Õ quoth he, Ôfor GodÕs sake, you know well that thus it is,that in Gascony the noble and valiant knights cherish you so greatly thatthey suffer great pain for your war and to gain you honour, and yet they

have no leader of your blood. Therefore if you were so advised as tosend one of your sons they would be the bolder.Õ And every one saidthat he spoke truly. Then the King let summon his great parliament. Allwere of accord likewise to send the Prince into Gascony, because he wasof such renown, and ordained forthwith that with him should go thenoble Earl of Warwick, of high esteem, and the Earl of Salisbury, of greatvaliance, the gallant Earl of Suffolk, Ufford was his name, and the Earl ofOxford, the good Earl of Stafford, Sir Bartholomew de Burghersh, boldin deed, Sir John of Montagu, proud and impetuous, the Lord the

Despenser, and Basset of high renown; and there was also the Lord ofMohun, and likewise, meseems, the good Reginald Cobham, who hadbeen at many an assault; there were also Chandos and Audeley: thesetwo were of great renown and were appointed chief advisers.

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577 When the matter was settled and the ordinance whollyperformed, they sent to Plymouth to assemble all their ships,men-at-arms, and archers also, and their provisions: very rich was theirarray. After the term of two months he took leave of the King his father,

of the Queen his mother and of all his brothers and sisters. Right soregrieved were they at heart when it came to his departing, for there youmight see lady and damsel weep and make moan in complaints; the onewept for her husband, the other lamented for her lover.

594 Thus the Prince took leave, blithe and glad at heart. He took hisway to Plymouth. He rode night and morning until he reached Plymouthand abode there until his great array was ready. And it befell rightspeedily afterward that he had all his vessels loaded with victuals and

jewels, hauberks, helmets, lances, shields, bows, arrows, and yet more;

he let ship all his horses and anon embarked, and all the noble knights.There might one see the flower of chivalry and of right noble bachelry,who were very eager and desirous to acquit themselves well. Then theyset sail. They sailed over the sea until they arrived at Bordeaux, whereatthe noble barons of the country made high revel. There you might seegreat and small come straight to the Prince, who courteously welcomedthem. To him came incontinent the noble Prince dÕAlbret and the valiantand doughty Lord of Montferrant, Mussidan, Roson, Curton andAmenieu de Fossard, and the great Lord of Pommiers and many noble

knights, and the rightful Lord of Lesparre. Thither came all the barons ofGascony, and right well did the Prince know how to entertain them. AtBordeaux he sojourned a short space until he had made his preparationsand well rested his horses. Right speedily after, he was ready and tookthe field with more than six thousand fighting-men. He rode towardsToulouse; not a town remained that he did not utterly lay waste; he tookCarcassonne and BŽziers and Narbonne, and all the country was ravagedand harried by him, and divers towns and castles, whereat the enemiesin Gascony made no great rejoicing. More than four and a half months he

remained in the field this time and did much damage then.657 Thereafter the Prince turned back towards Bordeaux and abodethere until the whole winter was passed. He and his noble knights werethere in great joy and solace. There was gaiety, noblesse, courtesy,goodness, and largesse; and he quartered his men, as I think, in his

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castles round about, and there they took up their abode. Warwick was atLa RŽole, Salisbury at Sainte-Foy, and Suffolk, as I think, atSaint-ƒmilion; at Libourne and all round his men were disposed. Whenall were thus lodged, the good Chandos and Audeley, with the noble

Captal, went to camp in the open. There they remained a long time.Many a fair encounter they had, and many a time they fought to conquerthem a lodging. Up to Cahors and towards Agen they undertook theirexpedition and took Port Sainte-Marie. Thereafter they returned all upthe river and went to take PŽrigueux, a city of great fame. There theycamped a great part of the winter. Right noble was their sojourn, formany an assault and many an attack they made against the castle, forthere was naught but a little meadow between the castle and the town.There were the Count de LÕIsle and the Count de PŽrigord.

703 In such wise did the Prince make stay in Gascony, and abodethere the space of eight months or more. Very great was his valour.When it came towards summer then he assembled his forces, and rodeagain into Saintonge, PŽrigord and Quercy, and came as far asRomorantin. There he took the tower by assault, and the LordBouciquaut also, and the great Lord of Craon and a goodly number ofothers; more than two hundred were taken there, all men-at-arms ofhigh renown, fifteen days before the battle of Poitiers. Thereafter herode into Berry, and through Gascony also, and up to Tours in Tourayne.

Then the tidings came to King John, whereat he made great lamentation,and said that he would lightly esteem himself if he did not take greatvengeance.

729 Then he assembled his forces from all the realm of France. Thereremained neither duke nor earl, nor baron of account, that he did nothave summoned, and, as I have heard tell, the muster was held atChartres. A noble host was there gathered together, and according to thenumber in the list there were more than ten thousand. From Chartresthey departed and rode right so towards Tours. Very noble was their

array. The Prince heard the tidings that seemed to him good and fair. Hetook his way towards Poitiers, bringing with him much booty, for theyhad wrought much damage in France by their great valour. And knowthat the Saturday the Prince took the noble Count of Joigry, togetherwith the Count of Auxerre; and the French fought valiantly at their

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encampment, but they were all taken and slain, as the record says,whereat the English made great joy throughout their army. And King

John rode until he outstripped the Prince, and till one army beheld theother; and, by what I heard, they camped one in front of the other, and

were lodged so close that they watered their horses at the same river.767 Right there, however, came the Cardinal of PŽrigord, whobrought with him many a clerk, and many a man of law also. Thereuponhe spoke gently to the King of France, in all meekness: ÔSire,Õ quoth he,Ôfor the love of God, a sound word is timely. May it please you to let meride to the Prince to advise if you might be accorded, for, certes, thisgreat battle will be without fail so horrible that it will be loss and pityand great pride and presumption that so many a fair creature needs mustdie a sure and grievous death, and yet there is no avoidance but die he

must at the encountering, whereof for sure he who is in the wrong mustneeds render account before God at the day of doom, if the Scripture lienot.Õ Then King John answered: ÔCardinal, you are very wise. We arewell pleased that you should go, but know and understand well, never inall our life will we make peace unless we get into our keeping the castlesand all the land that he has wasted and ravaged, wrongfully and sinfully,since he came from England, and are also quit of the quarrel for whichthe war is renewed.Õ ÔSire,Õ said the Cardinal, ÔI will do in such wise thatyou shall be safe and satisfied with regard to your right.Õ Thereupon he

departed thence.807 He rode towards the PrinceÕs army; as soon as he came up to himhe saluted him full sweetly, weeping for pity. ÔSire,Õ quoth he, Ôfor GodÕsmercy now have pity to-day on so many a noble person who this daymight here perish in this great conflict. Act so that you may not be in thewrong. If you could be brought to accord, God and the Holy Trinitywould be gracious unto you.Õ

821 Sorrowfully the Prince said: ÔTruly, fair sweet father in God, weknow well that what you say is true, it is so in Holy Writ. But we would

maintain that our quarrel, in truth, is just, true, and veritable. You knowwell that it is no idle tale that my father, King Edward, was assuredlythe most rightful heir to hold and possess France, rightly beloved ofevery one, at the time that King Philip of Valois was crowned king there;but natheless it is not my desire that it be said that so many a fair youth

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here perishes through my pride. Nor is it my intent to set myself againstpeace, if it could be made; rather will I further it with all my power: butknow that, in very truth, I cannot bring this matter to conclusion withoutthe King, my father, but respite I can grant to my men to treat more at

length of peace. If they wish no accord this time, I am here, all ready, toabide the grace of God, for our quarrel is so just that I fear not toengage; but to avert the damage and sin of death I will agree to it, atyour pleasure, if so be that my father assent.Õ

857 The Cardinal, in tears, departed from him straightway and rodewithout delay towards King John of France, and told him of hisreception. The King, to prolong the matter and to put off the battle,assembled and brought together all the barons of both sides. Of speechthere he made no stint. There came the Count of Tancarville, and, as the

list says, the Archbishop of Sens was there, he of Taurus, of greatdiscretion, Charny, Bouciquaut, and Clermont; all these went there forthe council of the King of France. On the other side there came gladly theEarl of Warwick, and, as the account says, the hoary-headed Earl ofSuffolk was there, and Bartholornew de Burghersh, most privy to thePrince, and Audeley and Chandos, who at that time were of greatrepute. There they held their parliament, and each one spoke his mind.But their counsel I cannot relate (?), yet I know well, in very truth, as Ihear in my record, that they could not be agreed, wherefore each one of

them departed. Then said Geffroi de Charny: ÔLords,Õ quoth he, Ôsince soit is that this treaty pleases you no more, I make offer that we fight you,a hundred against a hundred, choosing each one from his own side; andknow well, whichever hundred be discomfited, all the others, know forsure, shall quit this field and let the quarrel be. I think that it will be bestso, and that God will be gracious to us if the battle be avoided in whichso many valiant men will be slain.Õ

905 Then the Earl of Warwick made answer to him thus: ÔLords,Õquoth he, Ôwhat do you wish to gain by this against us? You know well

that you have four times more of men-at-arms clad in armour than we,and that it is your land we are overriding. Behold the plain and theplace, let each one who can do his best. No other option do I know, noother will I accord. May God support the right, where He sees it thestronger.Õ Then they part without more discourse and return to their

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camp. Each one said on his side: ÔThat Cardinal has betrayed us.Õ Alas!but Õfore God it was not so, for weeping he departed and rode towardsPoitiersÑthat was very needful to him, for, truly, he had neither thanksnor favour from either side. Then incontinent, on either side they set

their troops in array.931 First the King of France marshalled his men, and said: ÔFair sirs,by my troth, you will so keep me back, I ween, that the Prince will escapeme. That Cardinal has certainly betrayed me, who has made me abidehere so long.Õ Thereupon he called the good Marshal de Clermont andthe Marshal dÕAudrehem, that was ever at all times right greatly to beesteemed, for he was a very goodly knight, and the Duke of Athens, avery noble leader. ÔLords,Õ quoth the puissant King, Ômake ready yourarray, for you shall be in our vanguard, and this is your right, so God

help me. In your company you shall have three thousand men, and youshall have two thousand with spears and sharp darts, and good twothousand crossbow men, who will gladly aid you. See to it, if you findthe English, that you engage in battle with them and spare not to putthem all to death.Õ

959 Then he called this time his son, the Duke of Normandy, and saidto him, ÔFair son, by my troth, you will be King of France after me, andtherefore you shall surely have our second division; and you shall havethe noble Duke of Bourbon to accompany you, and the Lord of Saint

Venant, valiant and doughty. The good Tristan of Magnelais, a rightnoble squire, shall bear your banner, that is of rich and precious silk.Spare not, for Jesus Christ, the English, however great or small, that youput them not all to death. For I would not that one single man of themshould ever be so venturesome as to recross to this side of the sea to hurtor make war on me.Õ ÔThus will I deal with them,Õ said the Dauphin,Ôfather, by my faith. We shall, methinks, do so much that we shall earnyour gratitude.Õ Then you might see banners and pennons unfurled tothe wind, whereon fine gold and azure shone, purple, gules, and ermine.

Trumpets, tabours, horns and clarionsÑyou might hear soundingthrough the camp; the DauphinÕs great battle made the earth ring. Therewas many a true knight, and, as the list says, they were four thousand innumber. On one of the sides it took its place and covered a great space.Thus has the King ordered and arranged this division.

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999 Then he summoned the powerful Duke of Orleans, his brother.ÔBrother,Õ quoth he, Ôso God help me, you shall lead our rearguard withthree thousand fighting-men, men-at-arms, valiant and doughty; andtake good heed, for GodÕs sake, that you have no mercy on the English,

but put them all to death: for they have done us much wrong and burntand destroyed our land since they left England. Take heed, if you takethe Prince, that you bring him to me.Õ ÔSire,Õ quoth the rich duke, ÔGladly,and more also.Õ

1015 Thus did the noble King John marshal his troops. He was in thefourth battleÑright stout was his courage; with him there were three ofhis sons, that were of great renown: the Dukes of Anjou and Berry, andalso Philip the bold, who was very young and small. There was Jacquesde Bourbon, the Count of Eu, and the Count of Longueville; these two

were sons of my Lord Robert dÕArtois. And there was also with him atthis time the noble Count of Sancerre, and the Count of Dammartin. Verygoodly was his array, for he had three-and-twenty banners. Then hedrew up on the other side full four hundred barded horses and fourhundred knights upon them, picked men; Guichard dÕAngle led them,who was a noble knight, and the good Lord of Aubigny, brave and bold,and Eustace de Ribemont in whom the King set great trust; and hebegged them, without slackening, to take heed to strike well and tospare no pains to break the battle, and each one would follow them close

who should be ready to acquit himself well. And every one consented tocarry out his will. There was such noble display that it was a greatmarvel. Never did one see the like nobleness and array as had they ofFrance.

1061 Elsewhere the English host was encamped, for this day likewisedid the noble Prince set his men in order, and gladly, to my thinking,would he have avoided the battle if he could have escaped from there,but well he saw that he must engage. Then incontinent he called thenoble Earl of Warwick, and very perfectly sets forth to him: ÔSir,Õ says he,

Ôneeds must we fight, and since it so fortunes, I beg you, take commandof the vanguard in this battle. The noble Lord of Pommiers, a right nobleknight, shall be in your company, and you shall have, I pledge you, all hisbrothers with him, who are brave, valiant, and bold. You first shall makethe passage, and shall guard our baggage. I will ride after you with all

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my knights; if so be that mischief befall you, you shall be succoured byus; and the Earl of Salisbury shall ride behind also, who shall lead ourrearguard; and let every one be prepared, in case they attack you, toalight on foot at his speediest.Õ

1096 And each one says he will do so. Thus they hold converse thatnight. There was none too great ease, for all lay in ambush; there wasmany an affray; and when it came to early morning the noble and truehearted Prince called Sir Eustace dÕAubrŽchicourt with the lion-heartedLord of Curton, and bade them ride to spy out the French army, andeach one set out to ride, mounted on his noble steed. But, as the Frenchbook says, these two rode so forward that they were taken and heldprisoners, whereat the Prince was sore grieved, and the French madegreat joy throughout their army, and said in these very words: ÔAll the

others will come after.Õ1121 Thereupon the clamour began, and a right great shout wasraised, and the Prince broke up camp; he began to ride, for that day hethought not to have battle, I assure you, but weened ever, most certainly,to continue to avoid the battle. But on the other side the French cried outloudly to the King that the English were fleeing and that they wouldspeedily lose them. Then the French begin to ride without longertarrying. Quoth the Marshal dÕAudrehem: ÔCertes, little do I esteem yourtrouble. Soon we shall have lost the English if we set not forth to attack

them.Õ Quoth the Marshal de Clermont: ÔFair brother, you are in sorehaste. Do not be so eager, for we shall surely come there betimes, for theEnglish do not flee, but come at a round pace.Õ Quoth dÕAudrehem: ÔYourdelay will make us lose them at this time.Õ Then said Clermont: ÔBy SaintDenis, Marshal, you are very bold.Õ And then he said to him angrily:ÔIndeed you will not be so bold as to acquit yourself to-day in such wisethat you come far enough forward for the point of your lance to reachthe rump of my horse.Õ Thus inflamed with wrath they set out towardsthe English.

1157 Then began the shouting, and noise and clamour is raised, andthe armies began to draw near. Then on both sides they began to shootand to cast; not one of them made stint therewith. Sirs, by what I heard,the noble Earl of Salisbury led the PrinceÕs rearguard, but that day he

joined battle the very first, for full of ire and wrath the Marshals came

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upon him, on foot and on horseback, and attacked him by force. Whenthe Earl saw this force he turned his division towards them, and criedout to it with a loud voice, ÔForward, sirs, for GodÕs sake, since it pleasesSt. George thus that we were the hindmost and shall be the very first, let

us so acquit ourselves that we gain honour thereby.Õ Then might you seethe barons approve themselves well in battle; great pastime would ithave been to behold for one that had naught there at stake, but certes itwas sore pity and a marvellous and grievous thing. There was many acreature who that day was brought to his end. There they foughtstaunchly. The archers that were on the two sides over towards thebarded horses shot rapidly, thicker than rain falls. Then behold therecame spurring a valiant and doughty knight, by name Guichard dÕAngle;he never lagged behind, but smote with lance and sword in the middle

of the press. And the Marshal de Clermont and Eustace de Ribemont,and the rightful lord of Aubigny, each one acquitted himself well also.1205 The French book says, and the account likewise, that the Earl of

Salisbury, he and his companions, who were fiercer than lions,discomfited the Marshals and all the barded horses, before the vanguardcould be turned and brought across again, for it was over the river; butby the will of God and Saint Peter they joined all together and came,methinks, like people of noble bearing, right up a mountain until theybrought their ranks up to the DauphinÕs division, which was at the

passage of a hedge, and there, with steadfast will, they came toencounter together, plying the business of arms in such right knightlyfashion that it was great marvel to behold. There they gained the passageof the hedge by force by their assault, whereat many a Frenchman isdismayed at heart, and they began to turn their backs and mount theirhorses. In many a place men cried with loud voice ÔGuyenne! St. George!ÕWhat would you that I should tell you? The division of Normandy wasdiscomfited that morning, and the Dauphin departed thence. There wasmany a one taken and slain, and the noble Prince fought right valiantly,

and comforting his people said: ÔLords, for GodÕs sake, take heed tostrike; behold me here.Õ1245 Then the King of France approached, bringing up a great power,

for to him drew every man who would fain acquit himself well.

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1249 When the Prince saw him come he was some deal abashed, andlooking around him saw that divers had left who had set out in pursuit,for truly they weened that by this time they had accomplishedeverything; but now the battle waxed sore, for the French King came up,

bringing so great a power that it was a marvel to behold. When thePrince saw him, he looked up to Heaven, cried mercy of Jesus Christ, andspake thus: ÔMighty Father, right so as I believe that Thou art King ofKings and didst willingly endure the death on the cross for all of us, toredeem us out of hell, Father, who art true God, true man, be pleased, byThy most holy name, to guard me and my people from harm, even asThou knowest, true God of heaven, that I have good right.Õ Then thePrince straightway, when he had made his prayer, said: ÔForward,forward, banner! Let each one take heed to his honour.Õ Two knights,

full of valour, were stationed (?) at the two sides; they were Chandosand Audeley. Then began the encounter, and Audeley right gently andhumbly besought the Prince: ÔSire,Õ quoth he, ÔI have vowed to God andpromised and sworn that wherever I should see the banner of the Kingof France in power there I would set on the first, so that I beseech youfor God give me leave, for it is high time to join battle.Õ Then the Princesaid to him, ÔTruly, James, do your will.Õ Then James departed from thePrince; he made no longer stay. He advanced before the others morethan a spearÕs length and hurled himself on his enemies like a valiant and

bold man; but he could not long endure, for he had to come to theground. There might you see in the encountering great lances couchedand thrust on both sides; each one bore his part well. There you mightbehold Chandos smiting, who acquired great praise that day, Warwickand the Despenser, Montagu of esteem, him of Mohun and him of Basset,who fought right gallantly, Sir Reginald of Cobham, who caused theFrench sore loss, the good Bartholomew de Burghersh, very valiant indeed; elsewhere both Salisbury and Oxford fought mightily, and also, ofa truth, the noble barons of Gascony, the Captal and the Lord of

Pommiers, valiant and loyal, dÕAlbret, Lesparre and Langoiran (?),Fossard, and Couchon and Roson, Mussidan and he of Caupene,Montferrant, who above all strives with all his might to acquit himselfwell: these squires of high degree you might see smiting lustily anddealing such mighty strokes that it was a great marvel. There was a right

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sore battle, there might you see many a man slain. A long space thisstruggle endured until there was none so bold but was abashed at heart;but the Prince cried out aloud many a time: ÔForward, sirs,Õ quoth he, ÔforGod! Let us win this field and place if we set store by life and honour.Õ

So much did the valiant Prince, who was so sage and prudent, that thevictory turned to him, and that his enemies fled and divers departed,wherefore King John made exclamation: he, himself, fought valiantly,and with him many good knights that thought assuredly to succour him.But his strength availed him little, for the Prince made such onslaughtthat he was taken by force, and Philip also, his son, my Lord Jaques deBourbon, and a goodly number of others, the Count of Eu, the rightcourteous Count Charles of Artois, and Charles the good Count ofDammartin, loyal hearted and true, and the good Count of Joigny; he of

Tancarville also, the Count of Sarrebruck that never hid behind, andVentadour, the good Count of Sancerre. All these were taken that day,and many high and honourable bannerets, whose names I cannot give;but, by what I heard tell, there were fully sixty taken, counts and boldbannerets, and more than a thousand others, whose title I cannot give.And, by what I heard, there died there, I warrant you: the right nobleDuke of Bourbon, the brave Duke of Athens, and the Marshal deClermont, Matas, Landas, and Ribemont, with Sir Renaut de Pons andothers, whose names I will not name to you; but by what I have heard

tell, and by what I hear set forth in the matter, there were full threethousand dead. May God receive the souls! for the bodies abode on thefield. Then did one see the English joyous, and they shouted aloud inmany a place: ÔGuyenne! St. George!Õ There might you see the Frenchscattered! For booty you might see many an archer, many a knight, manya squire, running in every direction, to take prisoners on all sides. Thuswere the French taken and slain that day, as I hear in my record.

1401 Sirs, that time of which I tell you was one thousand threehundred and fifty and six years after the birth of Christ, and also, as I

think, it was nineteen days on in September, the month before October,that this great battle befell that was certainly right horrible. Pardon me ifI relate it briefly, for I have passed over it lightly, because I wouldnarrate to you of this noble Prince, right valiant and bold, gallant inwords and deeds. Then was King John brought before him; the Prince

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gave him right hearty greeting, and rendered thanks to Almighty God,and to do more honour to the King would fain help him to disarm. ButKing John said to him: ÔFair, sweet cousin, for GodÕs pity, let be, itbeseems me not, for, by the faith I owe you, you have to-day more

honour than ever had any Prince on one day.Õ Then said the Prince:ÔSweet sir, it is GodÕs doing and not ours: and we are bound to givethanks to Him therefor, and beseech Him earnestly that He would grantus His glory and pardon us the victory.Õ Thus did they both holdconverse and speak kindly together. The English made right merry. ThePrince lodged that night in a little pavilion among the dead on the plain,and his men all around him. That night he slept but little. In the morninghe broke camp, set out towards Bordeaux, and all the noble knights, andthey took with them their prisoner. So long did they ride and journey

that they came to Bordeaux. Nobly were they received and welcomed byall the people; with crosses and processions, singing their orisons, all themembers of the collegial churches of Bordeaux came to meet them, andthe ladies and the damsels, old and young, and serving-maids. AtBordeaux was such joy made that it was marvellous to behold. There thePrince abode the whole winter. Then he dispatched his messenger to thenoble King, his father, and to the Queen his mother, with the tidings howhe had sped, in what wise God had wrought for him, and asked thatthey should send him over vessels wherein he might bring the King of

France to England to do the more honour to the land.1469 When the King heard the news, he rejoiced right heartily,praising God, clasping his hands, saying: ÔFair, sovereign Father, beextolled for all these benefits.Õ And the gentle Queen gave great praise toGod and the pure virgin who had sent her such offspring as was her sonthe Prince, who was of so great valour. They dispatched the messengerspeedily, and sent him vessels and barges, such that there was a goodlynumber. The vessels came to Bordeaux, whereat the Prince rejoicedgreatly. No longer would he tarry. He had all his harness loaded; the

barons took ship, and all the knights of repute; the King and all theprisoners and that which was needful they brought on board. Theysailed until they came to England, and so soon as they landed they sentto the King tidings that were to him good and fair. To meet him he letsummon all the barons to do him honour; he himself in person came

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there with more than a score of earls. Up to London they escorted thePrince, for they welcomed him (?). There were they gladly greeted bythe ladies and so received that never was such rejoicing made as was atthat time. There was the noble and puissant King, and the Queen his

wife, and his mother, who held him dear; many a lady, many a damsel,right amorous, sprightly, and fair. There was dancing, hunting, hawking,feasting, and jousting, as in the reign of Arthur, the space of four yearsor more.

1517 Then the King made another expedition to France with his noblefollowing, and the noble Prince also, and Duke Henry of Lancaster, andmore than ten thousand others, whose titles I will not give, for itbehoves me to dispatch quickly. But, as the book says, he rode throughArtois and Picardy and Vermandois and Champagne, Burgundy and

Bric, right to the Yonne (?), I assure you, and came as far as before Paris.There were the noble and renowned King and the noble and valiantPrince; there they were encamped in the open, drawn up in battlearrayÑabout that can there be no debateÑbut they did not engage. Thenthey turned their expedition towards Chartres. There the peace wasagreed to, which was afterwards sworn; in this peace-making the Princeof right noble conditions was concerned, for by him and his admonitionthe two Kings came to terms, and King John was set free from prison;and there by the peace was all Guyenne delivered into the keeping of the

noble King and of his son the very valiant Prince. And this peace whereofI speak was in the year of our Lord one thousand three hundred withsixty, at the time when the nightingale sings, eight days on in the gaymonth of May, when birds wax bold.

1555 They returned to England bringing their great array. Very noblefeast was made them, and right well were they welcomed. After the dayof All Saints, just at this time, of that I am sure, the two Kings weretogether at Calais, methinks; and the Prince and all the barons and all theknights of repute of all the realm of England, and of all the realm of

France also, were there of their free will. There each one swore on thebook, and also without reserve on the holy and precious sacrament, thatthey would hold the peace surely (?) without ever breaking it andwithout renewing the war. Thus both the noble Kings agreed in makingpeace. The King of France went away, who made but short stay further;

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the noble King and the Prince of noble conditions returned with great joyto England, bringing with them the hostages.

1585 The gentle Prince married no long while afterwards a lady ofgreat renown, who enkindled love in him, in that she was beauteous,

charming, and discreet. And after that marriage he delayed no longer,but betook himself without tarrying, in brief season, to Gascony, to takepossession of his land and country. The very noble Prince took his wifewith him, for that he loved her greatly. He had of his wife two children.He reigned seven years in Gascony, in joy, in peace, and in pleasantness,for all the princes and barons of all the country round about came to himto do homage; for a good lord, loyal and sage, they held him with oneaccord, and rightly, if I dare say, for since the birth of God such fair statewas never kept as his, nor more honourable, for ever he had at his table

more than fourscore knights and full four times as many squires. Therewere held jousts and feasts in Angoulme and Bordeaux; there abode allnobleness, all joy and jollity, largesse, gentleness, and honour, and all hissubjects and all his men loved him right dearly, for he dealt liberally withthem. Those who dwelt about him esteemed and loved him greatly, forlargesse sustained him and nobleness governed him, and discretion,temperance and uprightness, reason, justice, and moderation: one mightrightly say that such a Prince would not be found, were the whole worldto be searched throughout its whole extent. Neighbours and enemies had

great dread of him, for so lofty was his courage that he held potent swayeverywhere, so that his deeds should not be forgotten, neither in wordsnor actions.

1639 Now it is not right that I should be backward in telling of anoble Spanish expedition, but very right that he should be esteemedtherefor; for it was the noblest enterprise that ever Christian undertook,for by force he put back in his place a king whom his younger bastardbrother had disinherited, as you will be able to hear if you give ear alittle.

1649 Now it is full time to begin my matter and address myself to thepurpose to which I am minded to come, to what I saw befall after thebattle in Brittany, in which the Duke and his company conquered andgained his land by the power of England. And there was slain Charles ofBlois and many a noble and courteous baron, of high and puissant

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lineage, both of France and of Picardy. There were Sir Bertrand duGuesclin, of great renown, and many high lords of degree, of noble andpuissant lineage, whose names I will not mention, because I might delaytoo much to come to my purpose, and to shorten my words the more.

1669 You know that Sir Bertrand, right bold and valiant, with theapproval of the Pope of Rome, led out of the realm of France the wholeof the Great Company and a great part of the mounted men, and drew tohimself many a manÑbarons, bachelors and earls, knights, squires, andviscounts. At the time of which I relate there was between Spain andAragon a right marvellous war that had lasted, in very cruel fashion, thespace of fourteen years and more. On this account Sir Bertrand duGuesclin, bold hearted and true, was chosen, and the good Jean deBourbon, styled Count of la Marche, and the gallant and loyal Marshal

dÕAudrehem and Eustace dÕAubrŽchicourt, of noble disposition (?), SirHugh of Calverley, who gladly smites with his sword, and Sir Matthewde Gournay, and many other true knights, to go (?) into that country andby their great valour bring about peace between the Kings, and open thepasses and defiles of Granada, that these many valiant men and goodlords might set out to conquer. Thus were they all accorded. For thisagreement Sir Bertrand and his men received great monies.

1709 When they had set forth on their way, he and all his company,they passed the defiles of Aragon, and then in right brief season they

sent tidings to the King of Castile by a messenger, how he should accordand swear peace to Aragon, and that he should open the passage forthem to go on a holy expedition in which all good feats of arms mightfortune against the enemies of God. He, who was proud and disdainful,and feared little the power either of them or others, conceived soredispleasure thereat in his heart, and said that he would esteem himselfbut little if he obeyed such people. Then he let assemble his forces andprepared himself right stoutly to defend his country. Then he summonedgreat and small, gentlemen, freemen, and serfs, and thought to be well

assured of defending his land against them. Fair, sweet sirs, may itplease you, hearken! English, French and Bretons, Normans, Picards andGascons, all entered into Spain, and so did the Great Company; the goodHugh of Calverley, and Gournay his comrade, and many good and boldknights, crossed there without delay, and gained by their emprise all the

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land that King Pedro had formerly conquered. Right sore grieved atheart was Don Pedro of Spain, the king; he says he will esteem himselfno whit if he take not vengeance for all this. But little did his poweravail, for not a month had passed when, by the great disloyalty of those

who were bound to serve him, it behoved him to quit Spain and abandonhis royal state (?), for all those who should have loved him were disloyalto him, so that one should verily say he ought not to be called lord that isnot beloved of his people. This is manifest by this king, who was of soproud a disposition that he had fear of no man, but weened well thatnone could do him any hurt, howsoever great his power might be; but inno great while he had no friend nor relative, cousin-german, uncle, norbrother that did not part from him. They crowned his bastard brother,bestowed on him all the land, and all in Castile held him for lord, both

great and small.1777 Don Pedro durst wait no longer, but betook himself thenincontinent to Seville, where his treasure had remained. He had galleysand ships loaded, and his treasure placed in them. Hastily he embarked,as the story says; day and night he sailed until he came to the port ofCorunna, the which is in Galicia. And the Bastard was no fool; he rodethrough Castile; not a city remained of which he did not get possession;there were neither earls nor barons that did not do him homage, savingonly one reputed sage, Fernandez de Castro, they that knew him called

himÑand right valiant and noble was he, and he vowed, so God aidedhim, that never for a day would he forsake him who was king by right,and if they all would do itÑthose who had the powerÑyet could not hesuffer a bastard to hold a kingdom. But all the others of the countrywere altogether agreed that Henry should remain king of Castile and ofToledo and Seville, and Cordova, and of Leon. By the accord of all thebarons was Castile thus conquered, and by the power and emprise of SirBertrand du Guesclin. Now you will be able to hear the end, how itfortuned after this day, not a score of years ago.

1817 Now begins a noble tale, of noble and puissant import(?), forpity, love, and justice dwelled together in his upbringing, as you willhear. You have well heard me recount the foregoing matter. Rightwretched was King Pedro at Corunna on the sea, and full of cruel, bittergrief (?), for they had failed him that should have been his friends.

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Exceeding sad was he and could devise no means whereby he mightobtain succour, neither for pure gold nor for treasure. One day the Kingcalled to mind that he had long had alliances and amity wherewith heheld himself full content with the King of England, of such noble

disposition, for God had given him such virtue that since the time ofKing Arthur there was no king of such power; and if for that alliance,and for love and lineage, and for God, and for knightliness, he wouldsend him succour, he might yet be saved.

1847 Thereupon he called his council, and showed them the matter,and every one said he spoke well. Then a noble lord, Fernandez deCastro, the gentle, who was of right good counsel, spoke and said, ÔSire,hearken to me. By the faith I owe you, first of all, if you believe me, youwill send straight to the Prince of Aquitaine, who is his son; right valiant

is he and bold, and so strong in men-of-arms that I ween there is no manliving, save God, that would do him wrong; and, if you find him wellminded to succour you, be certain that you will have Spain again in yourhands before this year is over.Õ To all this they readily agreed.

1867 Don Pedro, the king of Castile, writes and seals incontinently,begging the Prince humbly that for GodÕs sake first of all, and for loveand pity, for alliance and amity, and by reason of lineage also, and forthe right he has, without any doubt, that it please him, the right noblePrince, puissant, honourable, valiant and doughty, to succour justice and

him, who petitions him in the name of patience; and that he would of hisvaliancy send ships to set him across, and bring him safely, for he wouldfain speak with him. The messenger came without delay.

1885 At Bordeaux he found the Prince, who marvelled right greatlywhen he had read the letter. So soon as he had looked it through hecalled his knights and all his best councillors. He showed them all theletter, even as it was indited, and said to them, ÔFair lords, by my troth, Imarvel at what I behold. Foolish is he who puts his trust in his might.You have well seen that France was, as I think, the most puissant

Christian country, and now have God and right granted us strength toconquer our right; and also I have heard tell that the leopards and theircompany would spread abroad in Spain, and if it could be in our time weshould be held the more valiant. Good counsel in this matter, my lords,you see to be right convenient. Now speak your minds thereon.Õ Then

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answered Chandos and next Thomas of Felton,Ñthese two werecomrades, of his most privy council,Ñand said to him, of a truth, that hecould not accomplish this unless he had some alliance with the King ofNavarre, who at that time kept the passage of the defiles. By the advice

they tendered they summoned the King of Navarre, the Count ofArmagnac also, and all the barons of the noble land of Aquitaine. Andthen all the great council assembled. Each one said what seemed to himgood to do in the emprise; and know that it was arranged, by suchcouncil and such agreement, as I hear in my record, that vessels shouldbe made ready at Bayonne without delay, men-at-arms and archers also,to go forthwith to seek King Peter in Spain. Sir Thomas Felton, the greatseneschal of Aquitaine, was to be their captain. But whilst they werelading their vessels and making preparation the King Don Pedro in

proper person arrived at Bayonne, bringing his sons and daughters, andthat remnant of his treasure that God had left him, precious stones,pearls, silver and gold. When the Prince had knowledge of the tidings,they seemed to him good and pleasing. He went to Bayonne to meethim, and nobly welcomed him in great joy and pastance, and there theygave many a banquet. Why should I lengthen out and delay my story?Incontinent all were of accord, the King of Navarre also, to aid the KingDon Pedro, and bring him again into Spain; since that for justice andamity he besought him so humbly, he ought assuredly to be succoured.

All were agreed on this point, and henceforward the valiant Prince madeno further tarrying.1966 He returned to Bordeaux and bade his men prepare. Many a

noble and doughty knight he summoned throughout his land; nor didany delay, great nor small; Chandos was not behind, for he went to theGreat Company in quest of companions, up to fourteen pennons, apartfrom the others who returned from Spain when they heard that thePrince wished to aid the King Don Pedro to his right. They took leave ofKing Henry, who gave it them at once, and paid them right gladly, for

they were no longer needful to him. He was King of Castile at that time,and held himself well satisfied that none could wrest it from him,howsoever great his power. To be brief, there then returned Sir EustacedÕAubrŽchicourt, Devereux, Cresswell, Briquet, whose name is often onpeopleÕs lips, and thereafter the Lord of Aubeterre that ever gladly

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followed after war, and the good Bernard de la Salle. All the merrycompanions returned to Aquitaine, but first they endured greatsufferings, for when the Bastard knew verily that the Prince wishedwithout delay to succour the King Don Pedro he wrought them sore

hindrance; he let cut all the roads, and night and morning he made tospring out many an ambush on them, and caused them to be attacked indivers fashion by geneteurs and villains. But God, who is sovereignLord, brought them back in safety, right straight to the principality,whereat the Prince was right joyous, for he was right eager to accomplishhis desire. And then without slackening he had gold and silver preparedand money to pay his men.

2015 Sirs, the time I speak of was after the birth of God one thousandthree hundred sixty and six years, when the gentle bird ceases to sing,

three weeks before the day when Jesus Christ of His sweetness was bornof the Virgin Mary. Have no doubt of the time.2023 Very nobly did the gentle Prince order his payment. Then might

you see swords and daggers forged at Bordeaux, coats of mail, andbassinets, lances, axes and gauntlets. Exceeding noble would theequipment have been, had there been thirty kings.

2031 The muster of the noble PrinceÕs army was held at Dax. Thereassembled the barons and the knights from round about. All thecompanions camped in the fields at that time. In the Basque country,

among the mountains, the great companies camped; they abode theremore than two months, and endured great privations, all to await thepassage, that they could go on their way. There they stayed all winter upto the month of February, until all were assembled, the distant and thenear. But, according to what I heard, the Prince set out from Bordeauxfifteen days after Christmas. And then the Princess had right bitter griefat heart, and then she reproached the goddess of love who had broughther to such great majesty, for she had the most puissant Prince in thisworld. Often she said: ÔAlas! what should I do, God and Love, if I were

to lose the very flower of nobleness, the flower of loftiest grandeur, himwho has no peer in the world in valour? Death! thou wouldst be at hand.Now have I neither heart nor blood nor vein, but every member fails me,when I call to mind his departure; for all the world says this, that neverdid any man adventure himself on so perilous an expedition. O very

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was there. Great joy of each other did they make as soon as they mettogether. Then they kissed and embraced, and the Prince said, smiling:ÔDuke of Lancaster, sweet brother, welcome in our land. Tell me, howfares the King our father, and the Queen our mother, all our brothers,and all our friends?Õ ÔSire,Õ said he, Ôby GodÕs mercy they fare no otherthan well. Our father tells you to send word to him if there lack aughtthat he can do. Our mother gives you greeting. All our brotherscommend themselves to you, and send word by me that gladly wouldthey have come if they had had leave.Õ

2177 Conversing thus they came to Dax, holding each other by thehand, and that night they made very merry. Of their talk I know nomore, nor will I recount anything further. The Count of Foix returnedinto the land where he dwelt, and the Prince stayed at Dax awaiting thetime and hour when he could pass the defiles. As yet he knew notwhether they would cross by the pass of Roncevaux, for it was said thatthe King of Navarre was allied to Henry the Bastard, whereat manywere dismayed. But at this time andjuncture Hugh of Calverley tookMiranda-de-Arga and Puente la Reina, whereat Navarre was affrighted.The King sent his messenger to the Prince forthwith, without delay, andannounced the deed to him, what Hugh had done to them. Afterwardsthe loyal-hearted Sir Martin came from Navarre; by his sage counsel hehelped to secure for them the passage.

2209 Right soon after this day it befell that the King of Navarre cameto St. Jean Pied du Port, and the Duke of Lancaster and Chandos wentthen to meet him. They escorted him towards the Prince to a place wherethey found him. Peyrehorade was the name of the town and the house.There came King Pedro, and there their oath was renewed on the bodyof Jesus, and each one was agreed as to what he was to have. The nextday the King, the Duke, and Chandos left, for it was settled that thevanguard should pass, first of all, the next Monday; and they withoutlong delay reached St. Jean. There they were lodged, and the next dayproclamation was made that every one should make ready to pass thenext Monday, those in sooth who were chosen to cross in the vanguard.Now it is right that I should take heed to enumerate the vanguard. Fairsirs, first I should name the Duke of Lancaster, who was valiant, bold,and courageous, and had in his company many noble knights. There was

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the good Thomas dÕUfford, bold and strong, the good Hugh of Hastings,and his noble comrade William Beauchamp, son of the Earl of Warwick,the Lord of Neville also, and many a good bold knight, whom now I willnot name, as I wish to speak of them elsewhere. Next I must nameChandos, Constable of the army, leader of all the Companions, whosenames I will tell you. First of all the Lord de Rays, good and valiant indeeds, next the Lord dÕAubeterre, eager in pursuit of war, MessireGarsis de Castel, valiant and loyal-hearted, and Gaillard (?) de la Mottealso, and Aimery de Rochechouart, and Messire Robert Camyn,Cresswell, and the true-hearted Briquet and Messire Richard Tauntonand William Felton and Willecock le Boteller and Peverell of the proudheart, John Sandes, a man of renown, and John Alein, his companion,next afterwards Shakell and Hawley. All these pennons were companionsto Chandos, and placed under his pennon. Next were the Marshals, loyalmen of valour, one Stephen of Cosinton, a very noble knight, the otherthe good Guichard dÕAngle, who ought not to be set aside, rather is itvery right that he should be remembered; with them they had the bannerof St. George, and many other knights in their company.

2291 Now, my lords, I have enumerated and completely named thevanguard, which lingered not, but made the passage wholly, on Monday,the 14th of February. But since the just God suffered death for us on thecross there was no such painful passage, for one saw men and horses,that suffered many ills, stumble on the mountain; there was nofellowship; the father made no tarrying for the son; there was cold sogreat, snow and frost also, that each one was dismayed, but by the graceof God all passed in due time, ten thousand horses and more, and themen upon them, and camped in Navarre. And the next day all those whowere with the Prince in his division made ready.

2315 Now it is very right that I should recount to you the names ofthese noble barons: first of all the Prince and the King Don Pedro, whomI should rightly name, and the King of Navarre also these three passedwithout delay. Messire Louis de Harcourt and Eustace dÕAubrŽchicourt,Messire Thomas Felton and the Baron de Parthenay, and all the brothersDe Pommiers, that were noble knights, and then the Lord de Clisson andthe good Lord de Curton. The right courageous Lord de la Warre wasthere, and Messire Robert Knolles, of short speech. The Viscount de

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Rochechouart was also there, and the rightful Lord of Bourchier andmany other honourable knights, and the Seneschal of Aquitaine, a noblecaptain, and the Seneschals of Poitou, the Angoumois, of Saintonge,PŽrigord, and Quercy, he that was bold and loyal; moreover, I will alsoname to you the High Seneschal of Bigorre. These I mention wereassuredly in the PrinceÕs division, and good four thousand others, whosenames I will not give, but they were good twenty thousand horse that allpassed on the Tuesday. And the King of Navarre also crossed with thePrince, and escorted and guided him beyond the passes. And God, whowas merciful, permitted them all to cross, but great hardships did thenoble Prince of Aquitaine suffer in the passage.

2361 On the Wednesday the rearguard also crossed: the noble King ofMajorca, and the valiant, courteous, and right gentle Count of Armagnac,the bold Berard dÕAlbret, the Lord of Mussidan, and other honourableknights of noble fame. And there were also other pennon bearers: [towit] Sir Bertucat dÕAlbret; and also know assuredly that the Bour deBretcuil was there, and the Bour Camus, whose deeds I am notforgetting; Naudon de Bageran was there also, and Bernard de la Salleand Lami: all these, without doubt, were placed in the rearguard andpassed on the Wednesday out of the defile. Now I will tell you truly.Each one of these divisions camped in the concha of Pampeluna. Therethey found bread and wine, so that they were filled.

2387 Afterwards, without long delay, the noble Lord dÕAlbretcrossed with the noble, valiant and loyal hearted Captal, each one withtwo hundred fighting-men, valiant and bold men-at-arms. Now the armywas all collected together again. The tidings were brought to Henry theBastard of Spain, who was lodged, he and his company, at SantoDomingo. Now he was not greatly dismayed, but on the advice hereceived was minded to send the Prince a letter. This he did, writingthese words in the letter, as you shall hear:Ñ

2404 ÔMost puissant, honoured, and noble Prince of Aquitaine! DearSire, it is a certain thing, as we have heard, that you and your men arecome and have crossed to this side of the passes, and that you have madeagreements and alliance with our enemy, whereat we have greatwonder. I know not who counsels you, for I have never done you wrongor harm, wherefore you should hate us or take from us that little land

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that God has lent us of His will: but forasmuch as we know well thatthere is no lord holding land in this world nor any creature to whomGod has given such fortune in arms as He has to you, and since we knowwell that you and your men seek only to have battle, we beg you in allcourtesy that you will inform us merely in what place you will enter ourseignory, and we pledge our word to you that we will be over againstyou to give battle.Õ

2436 Then he had his letter sealed, and sent it by his herald, who journeyed without fail until he found the Prince: forthwith he deliveredto him the letter.

2441 And the Prince rejoiced greatly at the letter and showed it to hisbarons and set forth to them the tenour. Then King Pedro wassummoned and all the council convened to advise about the answer, howhe should send back and reply to him. But meanwhile Sir Thomas Feltoncraved a gift of the Prince, that it would please him to grant him only thisone thing, that he might ride out ahead to go and spy out their army;and the Prince granted it him. And then Thomas called the companions,as many as he wished to have. Thomas dÕUfford and the lion-heartedWilliam Felton, Hugh of Stafford and Knolles of short speech, werethere; and there came also to the muster Messire Simon Burleigh. Therewere certainly, as I heard say, eight score lances, and there were threehundred archers. Then they began to ride through Navarre, day andnight; they had guides and conductors. At Logro–o they crossed theriver, whose waters were swift and fierce, and camped at Navaretta tohear and know about their doings, how their army was being directed.Whilst this was being done the King of Navarre was taken by treason;whereat the Prince and his council were amazed. Now was MessireMartin de La Carra ruler and governor of all the country of Navarre. Bythe advice of the Queen, who is worthy to have every blessing, he cameto the Prince and related to him the capture, in what wise it befell, andbegged him to keep and govern the country. The Prince marvelledgreatly when he heard it word for word, and answered graciously: ÔI amsore grieved at the capture. Now I cannot recover him, but you knowwell, in good sooth, the very best that I can do is to quit his land. If goodbefalls me, it shall be for him, so please God, as much as for myself. Ihave no other counsel.Õ Thereupon he bade the army make ready to set

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out in the early morning. Then he prayed Messire Martin to procure himguides; and know verily that so he did. Then he crossed the pass ofArruiz, which was very strait and narrowÑmuch hardship did the armysuffer thereÑand afterwards, of a surety, he journeyed throughGuipuzcoa. But scant provisions did he find for his army right throughthe land until he came to Salvatierra.

2515 Now was the army come to Spain and it spread itself abroadover the country. The noble company of knights lodged near Salvatierra,in the villages; they thought to attack the town, but know well thatwithout delay it surrendered to the King Don Pedro as soon as it beheldhim. There the Prince abode six days in the country round about, andmeanwhile his men were at Navaretta, who often rode out and spied onthe BastardÕs army until it happened that one night they made theirattack on their watch. All on horseback they charged upon them andtook the knight that had command of the watch, and two or three others.Then the alarm was raised. To Messire Simon Burleigh fell prisoner theknight aforesaid. Then incontinent they came back to Navaretta, wherethey were lodged, and from the prisoners they had taken they learnt thetruth about the army. Speedily they sent word to the Prince.

2543 And the Bastard, on the other side, knew the tidings of theother army, and said that he would break up his camp and come to meetthem. And when Thomas Felton knew it, and all his companions, theydeparted from Navaretta. They rode always in front of the army toreport more exactly the tidings. They stayed on the other side until theSpaniards had crossed and they were minded to come this side of themountains before Vittoria. In front of Vittoria, on the plain, Sir ThomasFelton and his companions camped. They sent word of this to the Prince,

just what they had done. When the Prince heard the matter, even so as itstood, how the Bastard was coming straight to him, eager for battle, thenhe said: ÔSo help me Jesus Christ, the Bastard is right bold. In GodÕsname let us go, my lords, and take up our position before Vittoria. Thenext day he came in front of Vittoria. There the Bastard was not yet insight, but was on the plain on the other side of the mountain. When thePrince was in the fields, there he found his knights. Very gladly did hesee them, and said to them, ÔFair, sweet Sirs, be welcome more than ahundred times.Õ

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2581 As they thus talked together the currours were scouring thefield. They brought word to the Prince ... that they had seen, theythought, the enemyÕs currours. Then was there a stir in the camp, and allthe army gathered together. The cry ÔTo armsÕ might be heard. ThePrince drew up his men and set his divisions in order. There might a manregale himself at the sight, one to whom naught was at stake, for onecould see glearning pure gold and azure and silver, gules and sable, alsosinople and crimson and ermine; there was many a precious banner ofsilk and sendal also, for since the time of which I now tell you so noble asight has not been seen. There was the vanguard drawn up very noblythat day. There might one see knighted squires of high degree. The KingDon Pedro did the Prince first make knight, and afterwards Thomas ofHolland, ever ready for deeds of arms, and then Hugh de Courteney,Philip and Peter, as I know well; John Trivet, Nicholas Bond; and theDuke, in whom all virtue abounds, knighted Raoul Camois, fair andcourteous in deeds, and Walter Ursewick also, and then ThomasdÕAuvirmetri and Messire John Grendon. There the noble andredoubtable Duke, of enduring fame, made twelve knights orthereabout. And know well that there incontinent was many a goodknight made whose name I cannot tell; but, by what I heard related, thePrince, with his men, made that day more than two hundred.

2631 All day were they there in battle-order and ready to abide theonset. But it pleased not MaryÕs Son that the enemies should come thatday, for, by Saint Peter, the rearguard was behind more than seven ofthe countryÕs leagues, whereat the Prince was sore grieved. At vespersthey went to their quarters. Then the Prince let cry that each one shouldreturn the next day right to that plain, and that no one should go beyondthe vanguard, and that each one should be on his guard and should campunder his banner. But, by the faith I owe St. Peter, Sir Thomas Felton andWilliarn his companion went off to encamp, more than two leagues of thecountry away, methinks.

2651Now it is full time that I should tell you of Don Tello, the nobleearl, who addressed his brother the Bastard Henry in these words:ÔSire,Õsaid he, Ônow listen to me. It is very true, as you know in sooth,that our enemies are lodged very near here, and therefore, if you so willand give me leave, I will ride out in the morning and report you the

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truth about the enemies, what they are doing.Õ The Bastard replies to himforthwith that he fully approved of this proposal, and that Sancho, hisbrother, should accompany him, and DÕAudrehern, the good Marshal,should also go; the expedition should be made with six thousandmounted men; thus was the matter settled. Sir Bertrand du Guesclinwould have gone on it, but he had arrived that day, it was said, for hecame straight from Aragon. Thus were their dispositions taken. Fiercelydo they threaten the English, saying that for their great insolence theywould make them die in shame.

2681 Now may God aid the right! The Prince was encamped in frontof Vittoria; and round about there was no hovel nor house not whollyfull of his men. But the Prince the next day was not aware of theexpedition that Don Tello was preparing; for know that without sleepinghe rose at midnight, rode the broadest road straight up the mountain,until he brought his company right down a valley. First he met Hugh ofCalverley, who was breaking up, and coming towards the Prince. Thecurrours wrought great damage to his sumpter beasts and waggons,whereat noise and shouting arose, and the currours ran up and downthrough the camp: many were killed in their beds. There the vanguardwould have been sorely surprised had it not been for the noble Duke ofLancaster, full of valour; for as soon as he heard the shouting he salliedforth from his lodging and took his station on the mountain. There hiscompany rallied, and all the others as best they could, and it is said thatthe Spaniards thought to take this mountain; but round the Duke and hisbanner all the banners of the army gladly gathered. Thither the Princeand Chandos came, and there the army was drawn up; there you mightsee the currours repulsed with force. Each one strove to acquit himselfwell.

2725 Then the main body of the Spaniards rode up and met Feltonand Sir Richard Taunton, Degori Says (?), Ralph de Hastings, who carednot two cherries for death, and Sir Gaillard Beguer, and many a goodand valiant knight: they were a good one hundred fighting-mentogether, great and small. Their company rallied on a little mountain, butSir William, the valiant, very boldly and bravely charged among theenemy like a man devoid of sense and discretion, on horseback, lancecouched. Striking a Spaniard upon his flower-emblazoned shield, he

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made him feel through the heart his sharp blade of steel. Down to theground he hurled him in the sight of all the people. Like a man full ofgreat hardihood he rushed upon them, with drawn sword, and theCastilians by their might followed him on all sides, and threw spears anddarts at him. They slew his horse under him, but Sir William Feltondefended himself stoutly on foot, like a lion-hearted man; albeit hisdefence availed him little, for he was slain. God have mercy on him.

2769 And the others joined together on a mountain which they took;there the Spaniards made many an onslaught on them, fiercely attackingthem without cessation, and hurling at them spears and darts and strong,sharp archegays. And they, who were very courageous, gave proof oftheir prowess like men of valour, for more than a hundred times that daythey descended without ceasing, their sharp lances in their hands, and byforce made them give way. Nor would the Castilians have been able toharm them, by casting lance or dart, had it not been for the French andBretons, the Normans, Picards, and Burgundians, who came up a valleywith Marshal dÕAudrehem and Sir Jehan de Neufville. Those weretogether a thousand. As soon as they saw them, they all immediatelydismounted. The English and Gascons saw well that they could not longwithstand there, for they had no support, and the French on foot ran atfull speed to attack them; and the others without slackening defendedthemselves fiercely, but they were not one hundred against more than sixthousand. And these knights approved themselves well, and there didsuch feats of arms that never were Oliver nor Roland able to do more, asI have heard related. But their defence availed but little, for by forcethey had to yield themselves prisoners. There were taken: Hastings andDegori Says (?), Gaillard Beguer, a perfect knight, the three brothersFelton, and with them Richard Taunton, Mitton, and many others, whosenames I have not mentioned: whereat the Prince was sore grieved, but hethought certainly that the whole army had come down through the passand on that account he would not break up his army; for he would havegone to succour his men, had it not been for this, for that he was boundto do: but it was not so done. And they who had carried out theiremprise, as soon as it was told them that the Prince was near there,departed at their speediest and turned back. They take the prisonerswith them, treating them very harshly.

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2827 Greatly did King Henry rejoice at their return, and he said tothem: ÔWelcome, fair sirs, greatly am I beholden to you,Õ and then added,in these express words: ÔAll the others will follow. It is to his undoingthat the Prince thinks to take my land and attack me: I will thereforecause him to know that great greed of possession has made himundertake this expedition. Whoso could take him prisoner, to him Iwould give so much silver and gold that he might make a treasurethereof.Õ When the Marshal heard him, very softly he said to him: ÔSire,Õquoth he, Ôwhat are you saying? As yet you have not discomfited all thegood knights. But be sure and certain that you will find them propermen-at-arms when you fight against them. But if you will believe goodcounsel you will be able, in sooth, to discomfit them without striking ablow; if you will keep the defiles whereby they must pass and have yourarmy well guarded. If you do not give them battle, through great lack ofvictuals you will see them quit Spain, or you will see them die of hunger.ÕThus was the Bastard King advised by French counsel. And the Princewas still encamped in battle-order before Vittoria, for he still waitedthere to see if the Bastard would come down, his troops drawn up, andhis banners unfurled. That night he camped in the open. There was therenone too good cheer, for many there were, by St. Martin, who hadneither bread nor wine. None too pleasant was the stay there, for therewere often conflicts and skirmishes with geneteurs; and of the Englishthere were many slain, of them and of the others. Very ugly and foul wasthe weather, with rain and wind also. Sirs, the time I am telling you ofwas in March, when it often rains, blows, and snowsÑnever was worseweatherÑand the Prince was in the open, where there were manyhardships to endure, both for men-at-arms and horses. And the Mondaythe Prince raised his camp and moved. He turned back through Navarre;he crossed a pass which is called by name the Pas de La Guardia. He

journeyed until he came to camp at Viana, and speedily after this it befellthat he passed the bridge of Logro–o. The Prince, who is very anxiousand eager for battle, camped that day in front of Logro–o, in theorchards and under the olive-trees. And the Bastard King learnt by spiesthat the PrinceÕs army was encamped before Logro–o in the gardens.Then he stopped neither night nor morning; he turned back from St.Vincent and encamped on the river, in a vineyard, beneath Najares. A

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fair army he had, puissant and noble. Thereupon the Prince sent him aletter which ran thus:Ñ

2909 ÔRight puissant and honourable Henry, who art called Duke ofTrastamare, who else styles himself for the present time in his lettersKing of Castile. We have well heard the tidings of your noble letterspresent, that are fair and gracious, of which the tenour is in sooth thatyou would gladly know wherefore we have plighted our troth and areallied with your enemy, whom we hold as our friend. Know that we arebound to do it to fulfil the alliances made in the past, and for love andpity and to maintain the right; for you should assuredly feel in yourheart that it is not right that a bastard should be king to disinherit thelawful heir. No man born of lawful wedlock should agree to that. Ofanother point we apprise you, that, whereas you have such renown, andare held so valiant, we would very gladly be at pains to accord you both,and would ourselves see to it that you should have a large share inCastile. But reason and right ordain that you must give up the crown,and thus in truth fair peace might be nourished between you. And as tothe entrance into Spain, know that I and my company with the help ofGod will enter there by whatsoever place it shall please us to enter,without asking leave of any man.Õ

2951 Thus was the letter indited and thereafter sealed. Theydelivered it to a herald, who was glad and merry at heart and madegreat rejoicings, for they bestowed on him fine jewels, ermine robes,furred mantles. Then he tarried no longer. He took leave and departed;he came to his master, King Henry, and gave him the letter. The Bastard,when he looked at it and perceived the intent the Prince had madeknown to him, knew well that he was of high worth, and withoutmaking more delay he called his council together and asked: ÔWhat seemsgood to you to do in all this matter?Õ Each one spoke his mind. MessireBertrand du Guesclin, bold and true hearted, said to him: ÔSire, doubtnot, for you will speedily have battle. Ill do you know, in sooth, thegreat power that the Prince leads. There is the flower of knighthood,there is the flower of bachelry, there are the best fighting-men living inthe world, so that you have great need to make ready and marshal yourmen.Õ ÔSir Bertrand, have no fear,Õ answered the Bastard Henry, Ôfor Ishall have, I am sure of it, good four thousand barded horses who will

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be on the two sides of the two wings of my army, and moreover you willsee, know assuredly, good four thousand geneteurs; and of men-at-arms,of the best that can be found in all Spain, I shall have two thousand in mycompany, and, moreover, I can have, know well, fifty thousand men onfoot and six thousand crossbow-men. Between here and Seville theredwell neither free men nor villeins but all are sure to help me, and havepledged their word to me that they will ever look on me as king, so thatI have no fear that I shall not have the victory.Õ Thus did they holdconverse that night in great joy and pastance.

3007 And the Prince made no tarrying. The next morning, at break ofdawn, he moved from before Logro–o, for he delayed not at all. In rightbattle array they rode that morning, so fairly ordered that never had anyman seen so noble a host since the birth of Jesus. That day was Friday.Two leagues the Prince rode that day without making halt, and well hethought that day to have the battle. He sent out his currours in alldirections, who were at great pains to report the truth; and, to speaksooth, they saw the disposition of the other army, and perceived that itwas camped on the river, near Najara, on the moor, in the orchards andthe fieldsÑvery mighty was their armyÑand that in no wise did theylook as if they would move that day. They speedily reported to thePrince, who was camped at Navaretta, how they found the army. Thenthey heard at once the disposition of the battle. Now were the twoarmies camped together, about two leagues apart, methinks. That nighteach was on his guard and took heed to himself, and they slept underarms. And before

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